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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-21-15-WS ,!Tt EVEN HILLS Approved: January 25, 2016 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 21, 2015 5:00 PM - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS At 5:00 pm, Councilmember McClung indicated that Mayor Grant was on his way to the meeting, as was Councilmember Holden, therefore there currently was not a Quorum. Upon Councilmember Holden's arrival, the Council was directed to proceed with hearing Agenda Item I.A. Ramsey County Transportation Update. The meeting was to officially be Called to Order upon the arrival of the Mayor, and there then would be a Quorum made up of Mayor Grant, Councilmember McClung and Councilmember Holden. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the City Council work session at 5:36 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant (arrived at 5:36 pm); Councilmember Brenda Holden (arrived at 5:06) and Councilmember Dave McClung Absent: Councilmember Fran Holmes (Excused) Also present: Acting City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director John Anderson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Joe Lux, Ramsey County Senior Planner; Josh Olson, Ramsey County Community and Economic Development; Paul Lehman, Xcel Energy; Jerry Dittmann, Xcel Energy; City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Ramsey County Transportation Update Joe Lux, Ramsey County Senior Planner, indicated in the spring of 2016, a right turn lane will be added on northbound Lexington Avenue for eastbound 1-694 traffic, and also a right turn lane will be added on southbound Lexington Avenue for westbound I-694 traffic. He said that MnDOT created a model that showed improvement in operations but noted that this area is complicated by the Red Fox Road westbound right turn traffic volume. He also said Ramsey County is considering the installation of a right turn, red arrow at the traffic signal (for westbound traffic on Red Fox Road at Lexington Avenue) and that this will be further reviewed with the County's technicians. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 2 Joe Lux stated that Phase 3 of the Roberts Development (located at the southwest corner of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue) shows all but one access to Lexington Avenue closed. The remaining access point would be opposite to Target's south entrance. He said that Ramsey County performed a study and traffic modeling and determined a traffic signal will work, but there are functionality concerns due to the close proximity to Grey Fox Road. Joe Lux also stated there is no cost estimate yet for this work, but expects a partnership between Ramsey County, Roberts Development, and the cities of Arden Hills and Shoreview. He stated the County will provide design and construction engineering and that they are currently working on a proposal. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification regarding "No Right Turn" on red at the north end of Target on Red Fox Road. Joe Lux stated a sign would not be effective as most drivers would not comply with the restriction and it could cause further traffic issues on Red Fox Road, but that a red arrow is possible that would operate while eastbound traffic on Red Fox Road has a left turn green arrow. Councilmember Holden requested a timeframe for completion of this work. Joe Lux stated that utility relocations and clearing have begun and the project should resume in the spring of 2016. He noted that coordination between Ramsey County and MnDOT will be necessary due to the I-694 project. He will provide an update to John Anderson, Acting Public Works Director, in approximately one week. Councilmember McClung asked about a timeline regarding a signalized light at the south entrance of Target. A discussion ensued regarding a potential timeline of between three and five years regarding signal installation at Target's south entrance. Joe Lux left the meeting at approximately 5:20 pm. B. Solar Photovoltaic (PV)Array—Primer Tracer Area Discussion City Planner Streff introduced presenters Josh Olson of Ramsey County, and Paul Lehman and Jerry Dittmann of Xcel Energy. City Planner Streff stated that Ramsey County is working with the General Services Administration (GSA) to secure 62 acres of land, known as the Primer Tracer Area, for a 5 to 8 megawatt solar array development and potential State Emergency Management Center. The solar array area is proposed on the eastern 40 acres of that area. City staff determined that in order to proceed with the application for this development, the following changes to the City's Zoning Code are required: • Rezone the Primer Tracer Area from R-1 Single Family Residential to Conservation District (CD) to correspond with the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 3 • Text Amendment to define a Solar Energy System and revise the purpose of the Conservation District (CD). • Text Amendment to add Solar Energy System to the Land Use Chart and include design standards for solar developments. City Planner Streff noted that the City was preparing to rezone the Primer Tracer Area to a Conservation District in 2014; however, because Ramsey County was in negotiations with the Federal Government, it was decided the City would pursue rezoning at a future date following acquisition of the property by Ramsey County. Councilmember Holden asked if Xcel Energy submitted a proposal to the State of Minnesota. Paul Lehman stated he is not familiar with that particular RFP but does not believe so. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Xcel and Ramsey County wanted to be made aware of any City Council concerns regarding rezoning for the Primer Tracer Area. She noted the proposed approach to the rezoning was also discussed with the City Attorney. Josh Olson, Ramsey County Community and Economic Development, indicated Paul Lehmann and Jerry Dittman of Xcel Energy would provide more detailed information regarding technical aspects and associated policies pertaining to solar arrays. He stated the concept for the solar array in the Primer Tracer Area stemmed from work performed cooperatively by the Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB). This framework was the foundation for the Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) and was adopted by the JDA in April 2015. The EIRF identified two time sensitive opportunities: solar PV array proposed in the Primer Tracer Area and capturing thermal energy from the Army's ground water treatment system for heating and cooling of future development within Rice Creek Commons. Josh Olson stated that Ramsey County is currently negotiating with the GSA and feels progress is being made. He said that access for utilities and vehicles will be a challenge and that there will be some remediation necessary for this site. He also indicated that the Federal tax credit that was associated with this project was set to expire at the end of 2016 but has now been extended. Mayor Grant asked if there were any changes to the work session agenda. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to table Agenda Item I.D. Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations until a future work session. Mayor Grant tabled Agenda Item I.A. Ramsey County Transportation Update as the presentation occurred earlier in the evening. Councilmember McClung had no changes to the work session agenda. Mayor Grant stated the work session agenda was adopted as not containing Agenda Items LA. and I.D. Discussion returned to the solar array project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 4 Councilmember Holden asked for clarification as to when the Primer Tracer Area was cleaned to industrial standards. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked if the site had been cleaned to the Army's industrial standards negotiated as part of the Superfund agreement in the 1980's or to the MPCA's current industrial standards. Josh Olson said he was not certain. Mayor Grant asked who the owner of the Primer Tracer Property will be and it was stated that Ramsey County would hold ownership. He then asked if the site would be reviewed by the EPA and the MPCA since it will not be federally owned. Councilmember Holden asked to what standard the site would need to be cleaned — commercial, industrial, etc. Paul Lehman of Xcel Energy introduced himself to Mayor Grant and stated he is the manager of Community Energy Partnerships. He stated it is too early in the process and an environmental review had not yet taken place. A short discussion ensued regarding Ramsey County's purchase of the Primer Tracer Area property. Paul Lehman stated that at present, analytical work is being performed to determine the possibilities for the project. Mayor Grant asked if the County would approach the City to request improvements. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that zoning changes would be necessary. A discussion ensued regarding amending the Zoning Code to align with the Comprehensive Plan. A discussion ensued regarding the extension to the energy tax credits. Paul Lehman provided several examples of other successful solar array sites. Mayor Grant asked for a project timeline. Paul Lehman stated 2017 is tentatively targeted but due to the tax credit extension of five years, there is no longer an aggressive timeline and so there is flexibility. Paul Lehman and Jerry Dittman left the meeting at approximately 6:00 pm. Councilmember Holden asked if the Council had any objections to changing the Zoning Code, as she did not have any objections. Mayor Grant stated he did not expect the Council to have any objections. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 5 A discussion ensued regarding how the solar array project would fit in with TCAAP and providing power to that development area. C. Sandeen Road On-Street Parking Associate Planner Bachler stated City staff had received a concern from a resident regarding on-street parking on Sandeen Road. He said there were also concerns regarding emergency vehicle access in addition to Public Works staff concerns regarding difficulties with snow removal. He stated that staff mailed a survey to residents along Sandeen Road in October to gather information on current needs for street parking and to determine if there would be support to limit street parking on Sandeen Road. The survey results indicated most residents occasionally use on-street parking, with two properties showing regular use of on-street parking. He said the City continues to work with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to enforce parking regulations. Associate Planner Bachler stated that City staff recommends posting no parking signs near the northern intersection of Sandeen Road with Lake Johanna Boulevard. He stated the properties located at 3280 Sandeen Road and 3290 Lake Johanna Boulevard reported daily on-street parking and that 3290 Lake Johanna Boulevard operates an in-home business and uses on-street parking for employees and clients. He also said that City staff will communicate directly with these two properties regarding the parking regulations. Associate Planner Bachler asked for feedback from the City Council. A discussion ensued regarding clarification of safety issues as they pertain to emergency vehicles on Sandeen Road, the characteristics of this road and the properties thereon, and suggested solutions for parking issues. Associate Planner Bachler stated staff will work with the Public Works department to post no parking signs along the curve on Sandeen Road, work with the Sheriff's department to step up enforcement, and work closely with the two properties that utilize on-street parking. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated it would be helpful to Public Works if the curve on Sandeen Road allowed more space for plowing. He suggested posting no parking signs on both sides of Sandeen Road to the southerly properly line of 3290 Lake Johanna Boulevard. Mayor Grant requested that both the Police and Fire departments be consulted regarding the proposed change, and that they concur before any signs are posted. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated staff will consult with the City Attorney regarding compliance of the property with the home business located at 3290 Lake Johanna Boulevard. D. Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations Councilmember Holden requested this item be tabled until a later date in order for Councilmember Holmes to be present for the discussion. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 6 E. Retail and Thrift Store (Resale)Establishments Discussion City Planner Streff requested the Council provide direction regarding a potential revision to the Zoning Code as it pertains to Retail Sales and Service and Thrift Store (Resale) businesses. He stated per the City Attorney's recommendation, City staff created two separate distinct definitions to clarify the difference between "Retail Sales and Service" and "Thrift Store" establishments. City Planner Streff asked if the Council supports creating a new land use category and CUP criteria for Thrift Stores and if so, in which Zoning Districts should Thrift Stores be permitted, conditional or not permitted. A discussion ensued regarding how other cities have addressed their zoning challenges, current Arden Hills' Zoning District descriptions, and potential Zoning Code changes. The City Council agreed that B4 is the recommended Zoning District that will permit Thrift Stores as a conditional use. A short discussion ensued regarding the City's CUP guidelines, Accessory Use definition and the IFlex Zoning District. F. Kimley-Horn Master Plan Contract Completion Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the Kimley-Horn Master Plan contract that was approved by the City Council on April 29, 2013, had three primary components which have been satisfactorily completed. Some of the subcomponents have not been completed and will be addressed later during the TCAAP redevelopment. Kimley-Horn is requesting final payment on the contract in the amount of$5,650.28. Councilmember Holden asked about the reference in the November 17, 2015, memo from Kimley- Horn, regarding "additional scenarios to assess County Road I access" as she did not remember the Council requesting this. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated the additional modeling was related to the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). A discussion ensued regarding the streetscape-related items that were not completed per the contract and what these items entail. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked if the Council would be prepared to issue final payment on the contract if Kimley-Horn can provide estimates regarding annual maintenance and right- of-way costs as well as pond maintenance costs. A discussion ensued regarding utilizing a single garbage hauler in the TCAAP area. The Council directed staff to collect more information regarding this as well as the costs for the various maintenance items. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 7 G. Prioritization of TCAAP Goals Mayor Grant stated at the JDA meeting on November 2, 2015, the City's and County's goals were discussed and each were asked to prioritize these goals. Community Development Director Hutmacher said the County will not be able to prioritize their goals by the January 4, 2016, JDA meeting. Councilmember McClung stated that because the County has not completed their prioritization and considering Arden Hills is short two councilmembers (between one vacancy and Councilmember Holmes not present at this meeting), he would like to wait for Councilmember Holmes to be present and for the appointment of the new councilmember so as to solicit his or her input. Councilmember McClung stated in his opinion the County wears two hats; one as a governmental entity and one as a developer. He is interested in the County's approach as a governmental entity because the developer aspect can affect their prioritization of goals. He would like to see a list from the County which is endorsed by their Board as to their goals and priorities, in priority order. It was decided the Council will wait until they are at full complement to complete their prioritized goals. H. Discussion Regarding Appointing Council Liaisons to Commissions and Committees A discussion ensued regarding the various Council liaison appointments. The following lists the 2016 assignments: Planning Commission—Mayor Grant Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee—Councilmember Holmes Communications Committee—New councilmember Financial Planning and Analysis Committee—Councilmember McClung Lake Johanna Fire Department Board of Directors—Councilmember McClung Economic Development Committee—Councilmember Holden Personnel Committee—Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden Ramsey County League—New councilmember Mayor Grant indicated the Mayor Pro Tern will be addressed later. I. 2016 Employee Compensation Plan—Non-Union Employees Mayor Grant indicated the non-union COLA was budgeted at 3% and previously tabled for further discussion. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to wait until union negotiations are complete before moving forward with this item. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 8 Interim City Administrator Iverson stated the City was waiting to hear back from the Union regarding a proposed date to complete negotiations. The Council agreed to table this item until the January 19, 2016, work session and if approved, non- union and seasonal staff's COLA will be retroactive to January 1, 2016. 1 2016 City Contribution for Employee Benefits The City Council requested this item be placed on the Consent Agenda at the January 11, 2016, meeting. The City Council discussed comments relating to a fire station, the Employee Appreciation luncheon and the County Road E bridge. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 7:15 M. J e Hanson David Grant Deputy Clerk Mayor